If you have a disability and you're a parent or about to become one, you're entitled to the support you need to help you carry out your parenting role.

Problems with moving around that make it hard to pick up your child or push a buggy, or learning disabilities that mean you need help to read letters and understand advice, are examples of challenges faced by disabled parents.

Whatever your disability, you have the right to support from your local authority to help you in your role as a parent. The first step is to apply to your local social services for an assessment of your needs.

Practical support for parents with disability

If you have a disability, you may have already had a health and social care assessment. In this assessment, your needs are looked at by adult social services in your (local authority). A package of support will be agreed with you.

But becoming a parent may mean that your needs change. If so, you can ask your local social services to reassess your needs. You can do this before your child arrives, so support is in place when your child is born.

Depending on your needs, your local council might be able to provide you with support such as help at home for certain tasks, or special equipment such as an adapted buggy.

Online support for disabled parents

The challenges disabled parents can face are not just practical. While some disabled parents have the support of friends and family and feel happy in their role as parents, others may feel isolated and have difficult feelings about needing help to look after their child.